Emerson Pledges $200 Million in Charitable Giving Over 10 Years Focused on Education Equity in St. Louis

Photo credit: Taylor Wilcox on Unsplash

Emerson has announced a new chapter in its philanthropic commitment to U.S. communities where it operates with a pledge to devote $200 million of its charitable contributions over the next decade to help address the vital issue of education inequity.

“We see a critical need to focus our corporate philanthropy on education inequities in our hometown of St. Louis and the other communities where Emerson operates,” said Lal Karsanbhai, Emerson’s president and chief executive officer. “Inequities in the educational experience of children lead to inequities in life. Access to a quality educational experience is a crucial component for building a better future for all.”

With this announcement, Emerson is launching into its next phase of giving, building from its strong philanthropic foundation of the past 50 years. Emerson’s commitment to education equity will focus on programs or initiatives targeting children from infancy through 12^th grade, with an emphasis on early childhood and student services in under-resourced communities.

“Empowering every student with access to quality early education and academic resources, regardless of his or her race, gender or zip code, will build incremental opportunities and progressive change,” said Karsanbhai. “Our vision is to make our communities a better place to live, work and thrive for all residents by focusing on the education inequities that prevent all youth from achieving their full potential.”

In fiscal 2021, Emerson and the Emerson Charitable Trust made contributions totaling $24 million to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions across the United States and for the company’s scholarships and teacher recognition programs. Over the past 50 years, Emerson has made nearly $750 million in charitable donations nationwide.